You don’t have to have an idea from heaven in order to get featured on FC. On the other hand, being featured is no dumb luck. We appreciate a good file and we make sure it gets the deserved attention from potential customers. Since you’ve sent us a lot of e-mails asking how your file can get into the “What’s New” box, here’s a list of criteria we take into consideration when choosing to feature a Flash component.

Your file SHOULD:

1. Be a cool product

Firstly, we want to see original files or files with cool new features. Obviously, the file should also have a distinctive design and good user experience. Keep in mind that by including your file in the Featured box, we’re telling our visitors what they should definitely check out. We will avoid featuring a file that wastes their time, by drawing their attention to a file that isn’t usable or attractive. Therefore, you won’t be seeing just another “simple” banner rotator being featured any time soon.

2. Be different

Even though we choose file based on various criteria, you can always send us an e-mail and give us your pitch. Explain what makes your file special and why we should feature it.

3. Communicate the content with a truly unique layout

Consider developing a well structured file where the information is nicely presented and communicated. An unusual or fresh approach in which the content is presented can get you at the top of the waiting list. Take a risk, while having usability in mind at all times.

4. Have a unique feature

Apart from a top-notch design, your file should be able to stand out in the crowd by including an innovative feature and using cool techniques from which potential customer can benefit. If your file includes a new feature that no other file does, then you have a good chance of being featured.

5.  Boost of creativity

Nowadays, with so many Flash marketplaces out there, competition is huge. That’s why you really need to think outside the box and come up with an interesting and creative file that is bound to be noticed.  And when we say creative, we don’t just think about a “nice” design. We think: novelty, intuitive layout, usability and accessibility. These are just a few think you should consider when creating a new file.

6. Be Wanted

We have certain categories of file that are oversubscribed and that include tons of similar files, which makes it harder for your file to get noticed. That’s why we recommend that you find a niche and develop a component targeting a smaller category. For instance, instead of developing a general Flash website that can be used in about every domain out there, try a different approach. Develop a website that can be used exclusively to present a Spa, or a hotel, for instance. Do some research and figure out the trends and the domains that are flourishing today.

7. Be strategically released at the right time

Even if you might have not considered this until now, the time of the release of a new file is also important. The files or authors featured in our “What’s New” box change three times a week: Monday, Thursday and Friday. On the same page, most files are sold at the beginning of the week, meaning from Monday until Thursday. That’s why you should consider uploading your files one or two days sooner, so you have a better chance to be noticed. On the other hand, don’t rely on this because we sometimes receive a lot of file and verifying them might take longer than expected.

8. Be a Quality File

Even though we encourage  you to develop files often, we’ll never put quantity in front of quality. A good file has a better chance of being featured than one that has been developed in a rush and can have a lot of bugs. We recommend you focus more on the quality of the component you develop, rather than producing file after file. Create the best file you can and keep in mind that, whether you get featured or not, you will get sales firstly because of it’s quality.

9. Be developed in AS3

While AS2 files are still getting sold on FC, this isn’t going to last for a very long time. Consider learning AS3, if you haven’t already, and have a portfolio with more than 80% AS3 files. W e strongly believe you will benefit from this in the near future.

10. Be Part of a Discount Pack

We’re constantly searching to feature discount packs because everybody loves them. That’s why you can also consider using some of your existing files and including them in a promotional pack. It’s a great way to promote yourself and your files.

Your file does NOT have to:

1. Be too complex

Sometimes, this scares off clients because they believe that they don’t have enough knowledge to use the file and they they’ll have to pay extra in order to implement the file into their website.

Consider developing easy to use files or, at least, include a user guide that can help the client use the component without having to spend more.

2. Be BFF with the FC staff

While we enjoy communicating with all of you and make sure you know we like your new releases, you should keep in mind that we only feature files based on its quality and the above mentioned criteria.